Tel aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have 'quietly' approved the reconstruction of an area under army control in eastern Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip. This decision was reported by Israeli media on Sunday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Netanyahu and Katz approved infrastructure works in 'Green Rafah,' an area situated in eastern Rafah, to establish a residential project for Palestinians outside Hamas control. This approval comes without any public announcement, as detailed by Army Radio.

The region known as 'Green Rafah' falls under the control of the Israeli army and is part of the so-called Yellow Line, which separates areas occupied by Israel from zones where Palestinians are allowed to move. The area has been described as "completely leveled and cleared and is currently empty," and it will be "under the control of a multinational force," as reported by the radio.

The infrastructure works that have been given the green light will enable contractors and workers to enter the area to carry out excavation work and connect essential services such as electricity, water, and sewage systems. The report specifies that the contractors and workers involved in this project are Palestinians from Gaza, citing Israeli security sources.

These workers are undergoing security screening by the Shin Bet security agency to gain approval to enter areas along the Yellow Line. They are expected to commence work within weeks, or shortly thereafter, as stated by the sources.

However, Netanyahu's office has contested the report, claiming it "distorts the facts and republishes outdated information." The office highlighted that the project is a UAE pilot initiative that has been underway for several months. It further claimed that the electricity, sewage, and water works will be supervised by the Israeli army, rather than being conducted solely by contractors from Gaza.

This development comes in the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where the Israeli army has launched a genocidal war since October 2023. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 73,000 Palestinians and injuries to over 174,000 individuals, most of whom are women and children. This has also led to the devastation of about 90% of the enclave's infrastructure.